ITA - Vitali looks to turn luck around with Virtus

BOLOGNA (Serie A) - A 13-point performance, with the usual leadership and smart plays down the stretch, could be Terrell McIntyre's farewell to Virtus Bologna and to Italian basketball.

The 34-year-old American point guard played a pivotal role in his team's 80-74 win over Fabi Shoes Montegranaro on Sunday in Ancona, but he now faces a long spell on the sidelines in order to take care of a hip injury.

McIntyre, one of the most successful foreign players in Serie A history having won four consecutive Italian league titles (2007-2010) with Montepaschi Siena, tried to play through the pain on Sunday. But he knew he could not possibly go any further.

“I had a great time in Italy, I won a lot," he said. "The only regret is about this injury. If I quit, it won't be because of my decision, but because of something I cannot control."

Canadian Solar decided to replace McIntyre and Jared Homan (waived because of disciplinary reasons) by welcoming back Luca Vitali and Kris Lang.

Vitali, 25, came through the ranks in Virtus' youth teams and eventually worked his way into the national team set-up after successful stints with Montegranaro, Milano and Roma. He was the last player cut from the Azzurri side that went to EuroBasket in Lithuania.

A free agent this past summer, he thought long and hard about his future long and dedicated himself to getting in the best shape of his life.

“I worked with a personal staff. I hired a shooting coach, a physical trainer and a nutritionist, too, as I wanted to be ready for a call," Vitali said.

He is now back in his hometown of Bologna and among his new teammates is his younger brother Michele, who helped Italy to a silver medal at the last U20 European Championship in Bilbao, Spain.

“I grew up here. When I was 13, I was the ball boy for Manu Ginobili and Marko Jaric," Luca recalled.

Now with McIntyre succumbing to injury, Vitali has an opportunity to step into the fray and prove all his hard work has been worthwhile.

However, he knows that following in the American guard's footsteps won't be easy.

"We are different players, because of our careers," he explained.

"I want a new start because in Milan I wasn't able to perform as I could and as I expected. Last year in Rome it was different. It was a pneumonia that ruined my season."

As well as for his club career, Vitali's opportunity with Canadian Solar is crucial if he is to once again chase a spot with the national team, for the 2012 EuroBasket's Qualifying Round.

“I was the last player cut before EuroBasket. I wasn't happy because I dreamt of playing at EuroBasket," he admitted.

"But at the same time I don't forget I was coming off a negative season, and after my physical concerns and over a month in an hospital, I couldn't even expect a call for the national team's training camp."

Vitali hopes a return to his roots will help him turn his luck around and, ultimately, solidify a place on the national team.

"I hope my experience with Virtus will be positive for my future with the national team, too”.

FIBA